Hecate d'Rhys

Hecate d'Rhys {Swordbrother} is a level 33 human warrior.

Kisera ti Ashan'din !

Being one of the latest additions to the Swordbrother family, it may interst prospective Applicants how I came to join them. Read on to find out.

I heard a sharp rap at the door, followed by Basel Gill's deep commanding voice, "Get up ya lazy oaf. You couldn't afford your rent. Get outta here!". Drowsy as I was, I slowly dragged myself out of bed and took a peek outside. "Blood and bloody ashes, its past noon already!", I muttered to myself. Picking up my belongings, I made my way down to the Common Room of the Queen's Blessing and helped and out to the Wide Boulevard. Shoving and pushing my way through a Winding Path, I finally make it to the city stables where after giving the stable hand my stable ticket, I led my steed to the Black Fox Tavern.

Sitting in the corner sipping at my ale, I noticed a battle scarred warrior sitting at a faraway table, gazing at me intently. I picked up my drink and moved across the hall and joined him at the his table. He intoduced himself simply as Pyne. We started talking, about our lives, our adventures, our misadventures and scarily enough, our futures. Halfway through the conversation, Pyne stands up and ordered some more ale. It is at this point that I got a clear view his cape. It was a red cape, embroidered with the monogram of two crossed swords. I looked at him questioningly, asking him about the rather strange embroidery. This is when I first heard of the Swordbrothers, a group of friends who roam the world together. He narrated many a fantastic tale about the adventures the Swordbrothers were involved in, many of them so unbelievable that they had to be true.

I got quite caught up in Pyne's tales, this group seemed quite an exciting bunch. Pyne saw the sparkle in my eyes and informed me that the Swordbrothers were starting a recruitment drive. He asked me discreetly whether I would like to join them, initially as an Applicant. I was caught quite off guard, not thinking myself to be worthy of the company of such illustrious men. Not wanting to sound over-eager, I asked him to give me some time. But my will didnt't hold out much longer - five minutes later i was officially a Swordbrother Applicant.

The next few of months were a blur - roaming the world with my new found Brothers; sharing mugs of ale; driving shadowspawn back to their twisted domains. I got to meet all the Swordbrothers slowly, but I was yet to meet our leader. Several months passed, and I am yet to meet Thomaso. The tension inside mounted; I SO wanted to be a full Swordbrother.

Finally, the day arrived. Resting my tired bones in Caemlyn's Central Square, I heard a shout of "For the Brotherhood !" resonate though the streets. The voice souned unfamiliar, who was this now ? Could it be Thomaso? I bellowed back, stood up on my feet, and followed the voice to it's source. Just outside the inn, I felt like I ran into a wall. I scambled back onto my feet and looked up. I saw a man built like a bear, yet with a kindly face of your favorite uncle. He sheathed his Claymore into its scabbard and offered me a hand, pulling me up effortlessly. I thanked him profusely and introduced myself as Hecate d'Rhys, Swordbrother Applicant; bowing low with a grand flourish. When I looked up I saw a huge grin on his face. "Well, well", he said. "You're just the man I've been looking for. Let me introduce myself. I am Thomaso, Swordbrother Leader". It was then that I notiiced that he too was wearing the same embroidered red cape as the rest of the Brothers. Well, this was it. My first meeting with Thomaso. Huge knots formed in my stomach.

"I've received several reports from my brothers while I was away", he said. Noticing my obvious anxiety he laughed aloud and clapped me on my back, saying "Don't worry bro, all the reports were quite favourable. You've made quite a name for yourself amongst us Brothers. Now let ME see what you're made of", drawing his great Claymore out of its scabbard with a a flash of steel. "Hit me", he commanded. I took a deep breath and drew my own Claymore out, exhibiting a few bladeforms I had learned from an aging Blademaster. Thomaso looked at me archly, and beckoned me to attack him. I tried bashing him, only to see him deftly step aside and countering with bloody smites of his own. We sparred each other for more than half an hour, with no one gaining the upper hand. But finally he defeated me, his last powerful bash being too much for my poor battered body to handle.

For the second time, Thomaso offered me his hand, which I gratefully took. "That was quite impressive, young Hecate", he told me in between deep gasps. "I thought you had me there on a number of occaisons", he said grinning evilly. "Well, this little spar just confirmed what my brothers had previosuly told told me - that you should be raised to a full Brother. Come closer", he said, beckoning me to join him. Removing his sword from its scabbard, he motioned me to bend down on one knee and bow my head. He rested the great claymore on my shoulders and said, "As the leader of the Swordbrothers and representative of who they are and what they stand for, I hereby appoint you as a full Swordbrother". "Rise my Brother", he said, pulling me up to my feet and embracing me warmly. "For the Brotherhood!", we shouted in unison.

Since that day I have enjoyed many a adventure with my fellow Brothers, never ceasing to be amazed by our undying belief in eachother and our undying support for Thomaso. Even at the brink of defeat, the Brothers will be mutter to themselves "For Thomaso, All for Thomaso" and lunge themselves even thicker into the battle, only to emerge victorius.

Well, this is my tale. But tell me, when will you begin yours ?

For the Brotherhood!